An endless need for blood donors

By Jessica Dempsey

April 24, 2017 9:53 AM

File Photo

Every day there is a continuous need for blood and everyday routine procedures require blood, like a hip replacement, which needs two units of blood.

It could take up to 50 blood donors to help someone in a car crash, two donors a day to help someone undergoing a stem cell transplant and can take up to two to eight donors to help someone with internal bleeding.
“These are things constantly across Canada, every minute people are in these situations where they need blood. It’s something we need constantly,” explained Liz James, the Canadian Blood Services territory manager.

The Canadian Blood Services needs to collect 17,000 units of blood a week, just to meet the hospital’s needs.

While, giving blood may not be for everyone, James mentioned she would suggest people give it a try.

“We know that giving blood is not for everybody, but in my opinion, it actually hurts less than going for a blood test. Because they put in the needle and you are laying back in the bed, you are very relaxed and they don’t touch the needle,” said James.

Also adding that even if you can’t donate try to spread the word with friends or family.

“Tell a co-worker, tell anybody that is able to donate. So, if it’s because you have a fear of needles or there is a reason you aren’t eligible to donate just spread the word. It’s a huge help to us,” said James.

James mentioned that in Lloydminster they have always had a good response to donations, something they hope to continue.

“When we go out to Lloydminster we do almost always fully collect for our target,” she said.

Their aim when they come to the Border City is to collect 120 units of blood, in 2016 they collected 98 per cent of that goal.

“We have a really good support in Lloydminster,” she said while adding they always want new donors.

“Even though we are collecting well there, we know we always need new donors.”

Last year there was around 40 new donors.
“We really need to keep that momentum up,” said James.

There will be a blood donor clinic in Lloydminster on April 25, at the Days Hotel & Suites from 3-8 p.m.

There are multiple requirements to see if you are eligible to donate blood. The best way to find out would be to go on blood.ca, and there is a quiz so people can determine if they are eligible.

“Something we come across a lot nowadays is body piercings. Donors must wait six months after having a body piercing due to the risk of Hepatitis B and over infections associated with tattoos and piercing,” explained James.
Other things that are common restrictions for giving blood deal with travel restrictions, acupuncture and if you are on certain medications. As well, donors must be at least 17 years old and in good general health.

When donating blood, it takes approximately 15 minutes to retrieve one unit of blood. From start to finish, however, the process will be around an hour.

“When you come in, you are going to do this questionnaire then you are going to go into a personal screen and with the personal screening you are going to have face-to-face questions, further questions then you would answer the preliminary questions,” said James.

You can book an appoint for the blood donor clinic online, or by calling 1-888-2DONATE.

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